Cherry Bran Muffins

These muffins are kind of like those delicious bran muffins you find in bakeries and coffee shops. You know the ones. They're so yummy, and somehow you convince yourself they're healthy. But they're most likely still packed with sugar, butter/oil and other bad stuff. Well, these actually are good for you!

These bran babies are packed with fiber and protein, too, thanks to whole wheat flour, hemp seeds and eggs. If you prefer, you can sub flax or chia eggs for the real eggs for a vegan version.

The Recipe

makes about 12 muffins

1 cup wheat bran (I used unprocessed from Bob's Red Mill)
1 1/2 cups flour of choice (I used a combo of garbanzo and whole wheat pastry flour)
1/4 cup hemp seeds
pinch salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup dried cherries (or raisins)

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup molasses
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 400F degrees and lightly oil or grease 12 muffin cups. Alternatively, line with paper baking cups.

Whisk together first six ingredients in large bowl. Stir in cherries.

In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine applesauce, oil and eggs (or flax/chia eggs). Stir wet ingredients into dry just until combined. Do NOT overmix! Top with some oats and coarse sugar, if desired.

Spoon into muffin cups and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.